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APR 12 1919 









COPYRIGHT APPLIED FOR 



SMITH PRINTING COMPANY. WACO 



CONTENTS. 

a 

1. A Sonnet To C. T. C. <q° --Ql^ 

r * 3 ? 

2. Lonesome. /P. 

3. Lindsey Hollow. ^V 

4. When der 'Taters Begin Ter try. 

5. Forward. 

6. Melons on de Vine. 

7. Toast To An Opening Banquet. 

8. Disappointed. 

9. Our Trip to Marlin. 

10. About To Sin. 

11. The Little Stars. 

12. A Toast. 

13. Rain Drops. 

14. Be Not Least. 

15. A Dream. 

16. The Pilgrims. 

17. When Bennett Rings the Bell. 

18. Spring. 

19. His Imagination. 

20. Livingstone, Montana. 

21. Honey, I'll Remain With You. 

22. A Hope of Freedom. .^ \ 

23. Class Poem. >.r l 

24. A Wet Advice. 

25. Music From His Hoe. 

26. School of Mine. 

27. Sick Week. 

28. A Sonnet. 

29. Spirit of the West. 

30. A Letter. 

31. What the Canary Does. 

32. Decided. 

33. To a Bird. 

34. Ode To Mother. 

©CI.A515382 



SONNET TO C. T. C. 

Our school on the hill, 

A monument for all, 
Rest thou contented still. 

I'll enter this fall. 
Silent as death thy work is o'er 

Still I'll remember thee ever more. 

On thy walls of dust, 

Spiders are weaving twine; 
Each working a hand of trust, 

Though greater is the hand of thine 
That writes a motto "backward never 

Continue in faith, forward forever." 

Birds in thy trees, 

Sing a sad song, 
Among thy flowers the bees 

Work all day long. 
A new year is coming with joy ladened store, 

Old ones to return nevermore. 

LONESOME. 

Lawd, I'se so lonesome, 

In dis world ob sorrow. 

My wife done gone an' lef me, 

An' won' come back termorrow. 

Ever'thing's so silent', 
No one ter make er fuss, 
I hab no one ter cheer me, 
An' my heart am 'bout ter bust. 

Caline's ober yonder, 
Standin' in de do, 
Talkin' ter some udder feller; 
It's Rastus Green, I kno'. 

She promis' ter stay wid me, 
Her love am 'bout ter fail. 
Lawd, stay here wid me, 
Fer de debbil's on my trail. 



Early Verse 

I'se gwiner stir 'roun', 
An' see what I can see; 
Nobody but Caline er comin', 
My heart jist longs fer thee. 

Who's dat wid her, a bunch of chillun. 
Reckon who could dey be? 
A eatin' flock of picanninies 
Comin' to stay wid me. 

I'se gwiner hide dat bread. 
No, I'se jes' too late. 
Caline an' all dem chillun 
Er comin' in de gate. 

Come in, honey; 
Set dem chillun on de bed; 
Rastus, quit you' dancin' dere 
Wid yo' wooley head. 

Comin' in der fust thing, 
Wid er hungry look, 
Er dancin' fer de kitchen, 
Nothin' in dah to cook. 

Caline, I always loved you, 
I'se glad you come back home; 
Wipe dat baby's nose dere, 
Don' you see it begin ter foam? 

Now han' him ter me, 
He's gwiner dance a jig; 
Come ter yo' pappy, 
Yuh little ole dirty pig. 

Where's you been all time 
Wid dis ole dirty dress ? 
I'se great mind throw yo' 'way; 
You jest looks er mess. 



Book of Poems 

Don' start dat cryin', sir; 
Wid dem eyes lookin' deep. 
Go on ler yo' mammy, 
Fur you wants ter sleep. 

Caline, my heart's now full ob joy, 
Stay an' love me still; 
Wid all my power I'll do fur thee, 
Wid er iron detrmine will. 

LINDSEY HOLLOW. 

Tis a great path cut through the rock, 
Where bands of people often flock, 

To see the beaut}' of the land. 

That was formed by Nature's hand. 

The trees, that shade these banks, 
Seem to give to God their thanks, 

By bowing and bending now and then, 
When shaken by His holy wind. 

Oh, 'tis pleasant for one, in spring, 
To walk about where echoes ring, 

And gather flowers, where they're rare, 
Over Lindsey Hollow everywhere. 

The golden stream, that crosses it's mouth 
With golden waters flowing south, 

Is a wonderful phenomenon to be seen, 
Crossing this fair home ever green. 

Great white rocks can be seen 

In this fair home ever green, 
Upon these rocks, so white and plane, 

One may stop and carve his name. 

Oh ! this picture drawn by Nature's hand, 
Where melancholy days are enjoyed by man, 

Riding with care and hearing with same, 
The voices of birds when they sing. 



Early Verse 

The brilliant sun, the lamp of day, 
That throws his shadow by the way, 

Gives light to man and every tree, 

Where golden moments shall forever be. 

In dark ages of the past, 

When through it Indians passed, 
Voices could be heard, when they groaned, 

"Waco, oh Waco, I am thine own!" 

WHEN DER TATERS BEGIN TER FRY. 

I'se happy as de birds 
Dat stretch dere wings an' fly, 
Jumpin' an 5 dancin' all 'roun' 
When der taters begin to fry. 

'Lasses jug an' 'possum, too, 
On de table settin' by; 
But I leab dem right dar, 
When der taters begin to fry. 

Pa jes' plays dat fiddle all de time, 
Don't stop ter bat his eye; 
But hangs it up jes' as quick, 
When der taters begin to fry. 

An' ma's fussin' all de time, 

As de lubly days go by; 

But how can she change dat voice ob her's, 

When der taters begin to fry. 

Stop dat playin' heah! 
We'll hab ter jump dis high, 
If we don' be quiet at once, 
When der taters begin to fry. 

Myrah bakin' pon-pons, 
Pickanninies am drawin' nigh. 
In a hurry to der table, 
When der taters begin to fry. 



Book of Poems 

At de table de thanks are giben, 
But I'se jes' can't see why 
I gib thanks fer der yams, 
When der taters begin to fry. 

Bless us dis day, 
Cause not our tongues ter lie; 
But tell der truth all der way, 
When der taters begin to fry. 

FORWARD. 

Friends, are we going backwards, 
The way that does not pay? 
Let us strive to go forward, 
For forward is the way. 

Forward workers are the ones, 
Whom our people need; 
Those who stand up for the right 
And help us by their deeds. 

Willing workers we should be, 
Toiling for the right; 
That's the forward movement, 
That's pleasing in God's sight. 

We can be a mighty power, 
In the community where we stay, 
By being dutiful to every cause 
That leads the forward way. 

We need pure insight and sound judgment, 
To continue and never pause, 
And by wisdom and knowledge from above, 
We'll add blessings to the cause. 

Men and women we should be, 
Educating the head, heart and hand, 
That's th eforward movement, 
That the God above demands. 



Early Verse 

Let us have that character, 
That rejects wrong and pursues right. 
Then by the power of our God, 
Men may see the light. 

Men may annihilate our bodies; 
They may bring us to our woe; 
But by the help of God, 
Forward we shall go. 

God, be merciful to our race, 
Make us not afraid to die; 
But go forward with our tasks 
And obtain blessings from on High. 

So forward, forward is the way, 
Though our trials be hard, 
Praying, laboring as we go, 
On our journey to our God. 

MELONS ON DE VINE. 

I'll go dis journey ter day, 

Over ter my neighbor's across de way. 

Lawd, how grand 'twill be 

Ter stand in de road, look ober de fence 

And wish f er what I kin see ! 

In de patch side ob de road, 
O melons on de vine! 
Red an' sweet an' am so juicy 
An' I'll steal dem all de time. 

Jes' wait now 'till June, 
At de dark ob de moon, 
An' I'll show you where I shine, 
In de patch side ob de road, 
melon's on de vine. 

Now dem melons ain't mine, 

Dat's so lobely on de vine, 

But he ought not planted dem here, 

Ter tempt er Christian wid dere looks, 

An' had er devil to fear. 



Book of Poems 9 

Doe I could leab dem dere 
An' let dem ripen on de vine, 
Doe if I pass dis way ergin, 
Dat ole blue one gwiner be mine. 

Fse grcad mine pull it now, 
Stop lookin' so natural dere, 
Layin' up dere lack a devilish hog 
Er rollin' in his hair. 

You jes' did 'scape dere, sir; 
I lack ter had you fer dinner, 
Doe you would er ben mine, 
Had Fse been er sinner. 

TOAST AT AN OPENING BANQUET OF CENTRAL 
TEXAS COLLEGE, SEPT. 21, 1914. 

Today she opened her pearly gate, 

Why linger ye behind? 
Enter in ere it be too late, 

To shape a brilliant mind. 

I may cross the mighty deep, 

En route to some other clime; 
Though for her my heart shall keep 

A spark of love divine. 

Here's to all here tonight: 

Go wherever duty demands, 
Laboring for her with all thv might, 

With pure hearts and willing hands. 

TOAST AT A BANQUET GIVEN BY THE JUNIORS 
IN HONOR OF THE SENIORS OF C. T. C, 

MAY 14, 1914. 

We are thankful for what you've given, 
May blessings of joy extend from Heaven. 
Refreshing your hearts in many ways; 
Crowning your lives with many davs. 



10 Early Verse 

May wisdom from an Unshadowed fold 
Come brightening your hearts like glittering gold, 
Flowing in knowledge like rivers at sea, 
And make noble characters out of thee. 

And like dew refreshing the summer green, 
Having found a home where it is seen, 
May your love for Central and that alone 
Find friends for her where they're unknown. 

DISAPPOINTED. 

Lawd, Fse so disappointed, 
Things ain't what I thought'; 
Wish I'd never paid 'tention 
Ter dem lies dey taught. 

My money done gone from me; 
An' my friends hab lef me, too; 
Lawd, hab mussy on me, 
What am I gwine ter do? 

Fer Fse in de North Ian', 
An' my folks in de Ian' ob cottn; 
Jes' praying fer a lonely trabbler, 
Whom all hab done fergotten. 

An' dey ain't sent no letters, 
Concerning nry railroad fare, 
From dear ole Louisiana, 
Lawd, how I wish I wus dere! 

Where de 'lasses mill am makin' 
De velva out ob de cane; 
Where pickaninnies ain't workin' 
But eaten' jes' de same. 

Fse here deblish hongry 

Ain't got er thing ter eat, 

Jes' workin' fer dese whitefolks 

While dey walk up an' down de streets. 



Book of Poems 11 

An' dey ain't paid dat money, 
Fer all dat work I'se done, 
I'se jes' gwiner quit 'em, 
Fer I'se Mandy's only son. 

I'se gwine back ter her, 

I'll nebber come ter Maine, 

Jes' stay dere wid her an' Rastus 

An' help her cut de cane. 

OUR TRIP TO MARLIN. 

We triumphed o'er the hot well city, 
Through cold, sunshine and rain; 
Many hardships we had met 
Though money was our aim. 

Its people were so very kind, 
And we'll try with all our might 
To keep them in our mind, 
As our prayers take their flight 
To God o'er the sands of time. 

It's good to have such friends, 

As we have in this town, 

Whose hearts are filled with welcome 

And in which great love abonuds. 

Thursday night we so impressed them 
With song, recital and speech, 
That we were asked to spare more time 
In their city in order to reach 
Those who were confined. 

On Friday we visited the High School; 
And while there we could see 
Many young boys and girls 
As busy as could be. 

On that night the church was filled 
With these hopeful sons of men, 
There to listen and to wait 
A helping hand to lend. 



12 Early Verse 

We all played well our parts 
As each would take his stand, 
There to show from his heart 
The things that make a man. 

We left on Saturday morn, 
With all just feeling fine, 
Having enjoyed good things to eat, 
And just a hog killing time. 

ABOUT TO SIN. 

Down by der fireside, 

On de ole plantation farm, 

Jes' playin' der fiddle while dey dance, 

Doan mean er bit er harm. 

Jes' look at Rastus ! 
Ain't dancin' er deblish thing; 
But tryin' ter win de praise, 
Breakin' dat chicken wing. 

Fse gwiner stop playin', 
An' throw dis fiddle 'wa:f ; 
'Cause I jes' can't stan' it, 
Some one else kin play. 

You, Rastus, stop dere! 
Don't try ter hab it all ! 
Fse gwine ter hab er han' 
In dis 'possum ball. 

Jes' take dis here fiddle; 
Hang it on de wall, 
Fer my feet am now ready 
Fer ter out dance 'em all. 

Come here, Lucindy, 
Let me swing yo' arm, 
An' dance 'round' de corner, 
Doan mean er bit er harm. 



Book of Poems 13 

Break de pigeon wing wid me, honey; 
Doan cher hear dem figgers call? 
"Swing yo' pardners 'roun' de corner, 
Steady an' balance all." 

Dance wid me ter de table, 

Honey, doan be uneasy, 

Fer we done win' de prize, 

'Possum an' 'taters layin' dere greasy. 

THE LITTLE STARS. 

How bright are the stars above, 
That dot the Heaven's of love! 
Each one has its work to do, 
While sparkling in the sky so blue. 

These "little diamonds in the sky," 
"Up above the earth so high," 
Make bright the path by the way 
And are our company while we pray. 

They are shining oh so bright; 
As we travel in the night 
They seem as wanderers far away, 
Waiting for the dawn of day. 

Who is it whom they obey? 
Cease to shine at dawn of day, 
Now as their work has all been done, 
They hide themselves behind the sun. 

'Tis God whom they obey — 
Cease to shine at dawn of day, 
The One who is Maker of us all; 
How He would miss one should it fall! 

A TOAST. 

Here's to a race lying on its back, 

Bound in slavery to the rack. 

Thye land is across the sea, 

With all my earnestness, energy and intelligence, 

I'll pledge my life to thee. 



14 Early Verse 

RAIN DROPS. 

Beautiful rain drops of the sky, 
That come in refreshing showers, 
Falling from the realms on high, 
And giving life to beautiful flowers. 

These falling objects from the sky, 
Shine sparkling as they fall, 
From dingy clouds that hang on high, 
While on the Heaven's crawl. 

When flying from a dingy cloud, 
Like arrows from a bow, 
Grass and flowers look as proud 
While drinking here below. 

Each little garden that looks so green, 
Receives its part of rain; 
When water carriers above are seen 
To go out and come again. 

We ought all thank our God; 
Ough praise His Holy Name, 
For granting to us a reward, 
By sending the falling rain. 

Algihty God, the Creator of man, 
Made the drops to fall, 
How wonderful is the powerful hand, 
That made and blessed us all! 

BE NOT LEAST. 

Be not least in thy class; 
Nor a whisperer day by day, 
Use the moments as they pass. 
Studying and making haste. 

Go on and on to the utmost round. 
Till thou shall' win a name, 
Then thy voice shall sound 
In noble halls of fame. 



Book of Poems 15 

A DREAM. 

O what an awful sight to see 
The Heavens in a flame, 
Time was no longer to be, 
Fire had begun to rain, 
From Heaven to land and sea. 

The people in the town 
Were running to and fro, 
Falling upon the ground, 
Crying and mourning woe, 
To await the trumpet's sound. 

Some of them were prepared 
To meet God face to face; 
Their souls He them had spared, 
To enjoy the sacred place 
In Heaven, a home so fair. 

A very sad time, it seemed 
To me, while I lay asleep; 
But when I awoke I gleaned 
The idea that I now speak; 
O 'twas but a dream. 

THE PILGRIMS. 

We boarded the ship on England's shore, 
A dark, dreary and lonesome day. 
Thirty composed this most lovely band, 
We were pilgrims far a better land. 

We left the little seaport town, 
Where friends and kindred stood around, 
Saying goodbye and shaking hands, 
We bade farewell to England. 

While out on the mighty deep, 
Where we the pilgrims fell asleep, 
Our ship was rocked by the wind, 
So grief and sorrow doth begin. 



16 Early Verse 

Oh, listen, listen to the wind 
That rocks our ship, cried two men. 
How rough and it seem to blow, 
Over the sea where waters flow. 

The storm was rough on ocean's tide, 
It tossed our ship from side to side; 
Oh, God of Heaven, we pilgrims cried, 
"Let us in Thy Bosom hide." 

The storm birds lit upon our ship, 
And seemed to say as one with lips: 
"O Pilgrim Fathers on the sea, 
The God of Heaven remember thee." 

When this awful storm was o'er, 
And the thunder's voice had ceased to roar, 
We gave thanks to Him who saved 
And kept us safely ont the waves. 

We had sailed sixty days and nights. 
Yet no land could be in sight; 
But by the logs that float on sea, 
Land we knew close must be. 

x\fter six more nights on ocean's tide, 
A light beyond we Pilgrims spied; 
It was America, the land of dreams, 
From whence a candle threw its beams. 

We planted a colony on this strange land, 
And built a church as God commands; 
How happy could we Pilgrims be 
In this land across the sea ! 

'Twas God who heard us when we cried, 
And landed us safely to this side; 
In the land of roses throughout the spring, 
Where we could praise His Holy Name. 



Book of Poems 17 

WHEN BENNETT RINGS THE BELL. 

When Mr. Bennett is on duty, 
He performs his duties well; 
Central Texas is the place, 
Where Bennett rings the bell. 

The students are very active, 
Each ohter we try to excel, 
By being on time in chapel, 
When Bennett rings the bell. 

From chapel to Mrs. Wilson, 
We recite Essentials well, 
To Prof. Robinson for Literature, 
When Bennett rings the bell. 

In reciting Literature, pains are taken 
In pronouncing our words well; 
The next on hand is Astronomy, 
When Bennett rings the bell. 

Greek is the next old subject, 
About Cyrus it will tell, 
But we gladly close it at the time, 
When Bennet rings the bell. 

At noontime we all hustle; 
Dinner! is what we yell, 
In a hurry to the table, 
When Bennett rings the bell. 

SPRING. 

Enters the year with a joyful spring; 
Oh, what beauty it doth bring; 
With daisies so sweet and lilies so fair, 
Over hills and hollows everywhere! 

When all the leaves of trees bud out, 
And birds and insects fly about, 
And the Heavens seem a dreary blue, 
I like to be out doors; don't you? 



18 Early Verse 

Then every cloud up in the sky, 
That goes so slowly drifting by, 
And the leaves that hang on every tree, 
All seem to speak and speak to me. 

The birdies whistle their merry tunes, 
Among the flowers in morning so soon; 
Playing and dancing upon the ground, 
Where the grass is peeping all around. 

The busy bee greets the spring, 
Gathering honey as t'hey sing; 
From beautiful flowers of the land, 
That were planted by our Master's hand. 

The little child that gathers the flowers, 
In early mornings of dewy showers, 
Runs through the woods and plays, 
Trying to enjoy the saddest days. 

HIS IMAGINATION. 

Fse jes' sittin' here a dreamin' 
'Bout de good things I kin see. 
Lawd, if I could grab some of dem 
How busy I could be ! 

Dat ole garden side de co'n 
Am so pretty an' so green, 
Wid beets, onions and lettuce, 
De lubliest dat Fse seen. 

An I ain't et dis mornin', 

No, I guess I ain't. 

Now if I don't eat me somethin', 

I think I'se gwiner faint. 

Jes 5 look on de table, 
At dem good things ter eat, 
'Lasses, snap beans and 'taters, 
Jes' walkin' on dere feet. 



Book of Poems 19 

Lawd, w'har am Lindy? 
I guess she's back in dere. 
No, I guess I'se mistaken; 
I guess she's gone somewhere. 

She said she wasn't gwiner leave me; 
She didn't hafter lie, 
Leave me here a lookin' 
At dat table full of pie. 

She done lef me here so lonely, 
Feelin' bad and hongry, too. 
Lawd, hab mussey on me, 
What am I gwine ter do? 

Dat's alright I guess; 
Some day she'll make her 'turn 
On some awful cloudy mornin', 
When dese co'ns begin ter burn. 

Dere she comes now, dancin' 
Out ob de kitchen, so deblish quick 
Wid all dem good things fer me, 
Gal, you mus' think I'se sick. 

Lindy, you never did ack dis way befo' 
God's gwine bless you dis night. 
Stop walkin' so trilby dere, 
I wish you'se out ter my sight. 

Jes' place dem on de table, 
God bless yo' little heart. 
You know I always loved you, 
Doan think we're gwine ter part. 

Lawd, look at de 'possum an' de 'taters, 
An' de gravy oozing down. 
Now, it's no use feelin' funny, 
I'se jes' well walk 'roun' an' eat. 



20 Early Verse 

LIVINGSTONE, MONT. 

Tis pleasant for one to stay, 

Where breezes steal from the heights away 

And onward gently below. 

Ah ! fair Livingstone, City of Pride, 

Built close by the mountain side, 

Of the Rockies covered with snow. 

HONEY, I'LL REMAIN WITH YOU. 

(A Song.) 

'Twas on er Friday night, 

When I was 'turnin' home; 
Der storm had pass but dark at las' 

An' I knew not' whah ter roam. 
My gal said stay; doe I went my way, 

Doe it was too dark ter go; 
Fer de moon didn't shine, but changed its mind 

Not ter guide me as befo. 

CHORUS. 

I'll nebber leave er nudder dark night; 

Honey, I'll remain wid you; 
Doe if I mns' go, an' you say so. 

Please go wid me, too; 
Fer my gun's in soak, an' I'm broke, 

An' de man I work fer, too. 
Now, if vou won't go, jes' say so; 

An' I'll remain wid you. 

I started way from her, do' 

Er bull-dog gu.arded her gate; 
De lights was dim an' I couldn't see him, 

So dere I met my fate. 
Den by chance he caught my pants 

An' toe out de gable end. 
Home I hopped befo' I stopped, 

Ter find whah his mouth had been. 



Book of Poems 21 

A HOPE OF FREEDOM. 

In a sweet song of Liberty 
That* made all sorrows sweet, 
Marched out a chieftain and his men, 
A mighty foe to meet. 

What was this song so sweet 

That alarmed the country lengthy and breadth? 

"Loose the shackles from our feet; 

Give us Liberty or give us death." 

"Onward through shot and shell! 
Raise Old Glory high ! 
"Take dead aim," was the yell, 
"Ere death lingers nigh." 

The enemy fell upon their faces 
Along the hedgy way; 
While bravely stood the general of races, 
Giving orders of the day. 

"Hurry! hurry! do not stop! 

Drive them to yonder's hill, 

Where the star of hope kisses the top, 

With a ray of freedom still!" 

In the skylight of love, 
Though once it lay obscure, 
We may write this name above, 
The soldier- the stnitao™~— 
lousaint L' Overture. 

CLASS POEM. 

Though many years have passed, 
Since we've been drilling here, 
To convey to the very last 
Victory through our career, 
We are journeying towards the end. 



22 Early Verse 

In leaving we only regret 
To leave our college friends, 
Who are to follow yet. 
Tho' God has fixed it so to be, 
And we can not bar the cause; 

For if He is mighty and able to see 
The things that are best for all. 
Now we could rejoice, if we knew 
That grand and happy day 
When we again shall meet with you, 
In some grand and noble way. 

We know we haven't done our best; 
Though there's nothing hindering you, 
From bieng an example for the rest, 
Do well whatever you do. 

We'll try to bear in mind 
Every grand and noble thought, 
That will keep us right in line 
With eack good we have been taught. 

As we receive life from Heaven's winds, 
In this grand and glorious sphere, 
We shall keep the love that binds 
Our hearts together here. 

What was for you in the past, 
Was love in our hearts we bore, 
And we'll bear it to the last, 
Till time shall be no more. 

We would that you finish here, 
For a brighter day is coming still, 
When Central shall enlarge her sphere, 
With power and wonderful skill. 

We'll stand up for our school, 
When the winds begin to blow. 
We'll keep her golden rule 
No matter where we go. 



Book of Poems 23 

sun, shine out thy will, 
Everlasting blessings upon this hill, 
Where duty demands and thou wilt obey. 
Give life and wisdom to each phase of day. 

We'll dedicate her walls to God, 
While on earth we tread; 
And glorify His Name with praise, 
For having spared us these many days. 

A WET ADVICE. 

Dere's no need fer folks ter grumble 
'Bout de way de weather acts; 
Fer it's gwine ter hab its way, 
No matter whut dey lacks. 

Too late ter talk 'bout hard times, 
An' de jobs dat we could git; 
Fur de creek's done 'mence ter risin' 
An' de rain am fallin' yet. 

Groun' too wet fur ploughin'; 
No need ter go fur wood; 
Too wet out dere fur cuttin', 
I wouldn't if I could. 

Days ain't' always pleasant; 
We'll all hab trouble it seems; 
When de North wind comes whistlin' 
Thro' de kivahs ob yo' drems. 

So jes' save some money fur de winter; 
So when de cold comes stealin' in, 
You kin set wid yo' feet ter de fireplace, 
An' hab some dough ter spen'. 

MUSIC FROM HIS HOE. 

Dis grass is er growin' high; 
Hoe handle gettin' so slick, 
De more I try ter chop, 
It still seems high an' thick. 



24 Early Verse 

Doe when I spit in my han's, 
An' hole dat handle giner tight, 
De steel begins ter ring, 
Fer' I'se choppin' it jes' right. 

Folks all choppin' behin'; 
Movin' lack dey doan kere, 
Jes' er listenin' at de music, 
My hoe plays in de year. 

Fixin' ter thro 'way dere hoes, 
William leadin' de dance; 
Dey done furgot dere 'ligion, 
Music got 'em in a trance. 

Such a noise 3 r ou never heard 
Out dere in de open field; 
Each in hominy wid de music, 
So steady on toe an' heel. 

Picaninnies at de house 
Jes' a kickin' up dere heels; 
Think dey heah a ban' comin', 
Up 'cross de field. 

Wagons passin' de road; 
Folks jes' listenin' wid dere might: 
'Magine dey heah a banjo piayin' 
Late up in de night. 

Birds singin' in de trees, 
Stop an' drop dere wings; 

An' ies' lisfpn rlpTv^ wirl fl-di—i-* 

xo my oie noe as it rings. 

SCHOOL OF MINE. 

Dcre's no need ob talkin' 
'Bout yo' chillen obeyin' so fine. 
You ought jes' come an' visit 
Dat little ole school ob mine. 



Book of Poems 25 

When de dinger ling's er ringin' 

Dey all come an' form a line, 

Wid feet' on groun', steady dem shoulders, 

An' as well keepin' time. 

Gals er passin' in fust, 
Marchin' up dere so gran'; 
Wid willie an' Ella in front leadin' 
On tail en' Mary Ann. 

De little folks in de middle, 
Keepin' straight in de line, 
Wid pit er pat upon de step, 
Enterin' dat school ob mine. 

Findin' dem seats in a hurry 
An' gittin' dem books in place; 
Mine yuh, dey's gwiner study, 
Wid dem books up in dere face. 

Boys is now er passin'; 
Jes' fallin' in de flo'; 
Wid sweat fallin' ofen 'em, 
As dey stumble at de do'. 

All kin take yo' seats; 

Now begins our work. 

We're here fer truth, 'onesty an' jestice 

An' ter labor an' not ter shirk. 

You fust grades better study, 
An' 'view back whah yo'se been; 
'Cause you doan hab dat readin', 
Whoopin' won't hab no en'. 

Come on here, Shelley; 
Bring dat primmer 'long. 
Wan'er hab dat readin' lesson, 
An' see how you'se gittin' on. 



26 Early Verse 

Look here, you habn't studied, 
Dat ain't gwiner do; 
Jes' callin' will, Kitty; 
Yo' sense jes' leabin' you. 

Go on back dere an' study, sir; 
We'll hab it agin down de line, 
When yo' recess's gone er visitin', 
An' lesson's on yo' min'. 

Who's dat keepin' up er racket, 
Wid dere fuss soundin' so queer? 
Soun' lack marbles rollin', 
Back dere in de rear. 

Dere's no need ob startin' 
Dem games here in school; 
'Cause you'se here fer learnin', 
An' obeyin' de golden rule. 

I jes' kain't stan' ter teach 
When dat walkin's in de room; 
Jes' trabblin' ter dem buckets, 
Lack er pic nic's on er boom. 

Shet up dat bucket, Caesar; 
You know's you'se too big, 
To dive in dem 'lasses, 
Lack er hongry pig. 

I'se good mine whup you, 
But dat won't do no good; 
'Cause you wouldn't stop cryin' 
Ter save me, if you could. 

I'se gwiner dismiss all; 
Some gals kin sweep de flo, 
An' boys git dem feathers, 
An' dust up fo' you go. 



Book of Poems 27 

Put dem satchels on yo' shoulders, 
An' rise up an' sing 
Dat song dat makes you feel, 
You'se fer Heaben on a wing. 

Stop! who's dat er singin' 
Wid dere voice tremblin' so? 
Jes' er gittin' me happy 
Wid dere bass an' alto. 

Doan sing er 'nother verse; 
'Cause my 'ligen's now er tryin' 
Ter 'rouse dat ole shoutin' 
Dats restin' on my mind. 

Now march out in a hurry, 
Be it understood, 
Dat I'se got er 'ligion, 
My soul's jes' feelin' good. 

SICK WEEK. 

It's awful, awful tiresome, 
Ter jes' lay up sick in bed, 
Wid der kiver ail off yer, 
From yer toes up to yer head. 

Sunday wus hot and dreary; 
Blue Monday's here at last. 
Folks dreadin' goin' choppin', 
An' some ain't goin' fas'. 

Jes' er stiring' dere in de kitchen', 
I know what dey's er doin'; 
Actin' lack dey's er leavin', 
In dere jes' er chewin'. 

Better leab out dere fer choppin', 
Wid dem biskits swellin' yo' jaw; 
Haben't seen sich folks 'bout eatin'; 
You jes' de wust I eber saw. 



28 Early Verse 

Birds er singin' an' chickens am crowen'; 
But 'tain't no music yer kno' 
Ter a fellow under de kiver, 
Sick an' no whah ter go. 

Kain't eber git er letter; 
Ain't herd no news dis day; 
Folks jes' done quit writin'; 
It's jes' awful ter be dis way. 

Couldn't be at church Sunday, 

Ter help 'em sing an' pray; 

An' jine in dat shoutin'; 

Dey say dat Parson walked dat day. 

His text was "Jes' Believe," 

Fust de Cristians wus chilly an' cold; 

But when he put dat gravy on, 

He brought fire to ebry soul. 

Dey say he tuck dat Bible 

An' raised it in his han'; 

An' said who's now gwiner foller 

Me on ter Promis Lan'? 

I jes' kain't understan' 
Why de misry ief my head, 
When dey come an' tole me, 
What dat preacher said. 

When de world am full ob sorrow, 
Fer de livin' an' de dead, 
It's jes' awful, awful tiresome 
Ter jes' lay up sick in bed. 
(Note: Written while the author was sick.) 



Book of Poems 29 

A SONNET. 

(Drawn from an Essay, "Patsoral Leadership," by the 
Author.) 

O sleepy head, 'wake from thy slumbers, 
Why not join this swarthy number 
That's going forth today? 
They rejoice and labor at length together, 
No matter what changes bring the weather. 
They fall not by the way; 

The race is calling, now for men, 
Those that' are free from strife and sin, 
To lead onward hand in hand, 
Be it North, South, East or West, 
Strive every one for the best; 
And aid our fellow man. 

Don't lay your weapons down; 

But fight diligently to win the crown; 

O what a promise has been given! 

To those who stand up for the right, 

Like a hero in the fight; 

There's a home in Heaven. 

Go on and on, a brighter day will come, 
When our Christian works is done. 
We shall lie beneath the sod, 
From Mother Earth we shall spring, 
And proudly tune our lyres to sing 
Sweet praises to our God. 

SPIRIT OF THE WEST. 

Awake, awake, why sleep you there? 
'Tis dawn of day everywhere. 
O listen, the cowboy calls; 
From thy bed gently rise. 
The sun is shining in the skies. 
It stealeth through thy walls. 



30 Early Verse 

i 

The lowing cattle in the pen 
Await the cowboy from his den, 
To herd them o'er the plains, 
Lashing his pony on left and right, 
Steadily moving from morn till night', 
Ere he's home again. 

The setting sun bids him adieu, 
As he hides himself in a golden hue; 
Down, down in the West alone; 
All Nature seems in songs to sing, 
The sky with music seems to ring, 
Of beautiful scenery in Arizona. 

Off sandy hills and barren plains, 
Where scarcely falls mist or rains. 
Hot winds gently rise. 
Rushing through cactus green, 
Causing sand storms to be seen. 
Going on and upward as it flies. 

Nature has painted with her hand 
This wonderful scenery enjoyed by man. 
'Twas beautiful to the eye, 
To view the cactus of different height; 
And sands of various colors bright, 
As I went riding by. 

Though the scenery here is fine, 
'Tis not like the home of mine; 
Far away I can see, 
My thoughts play truant every day; 
It causes my mind to drift away, 
And often long for thee. 

(Note: This poem was written while the author 
was passing through Arizona on his way to San An- 
tonio, Texas, from San Francisco, California. It was 
a message to a friend of his in Texas.) 



Book of Poems 31 

A LETTER. 

Dear Lindy: 

You little ole dumplin', 
Dat rises up so soon, 
Wid dem eyes er dancin', 
Lack de man in de moon. 

Yo' lips am full of sugar, 
Runnin' ovah on de groun'; 
Lack streams o' 'lasses frum er jug, 
In plates er runnin' down. 

Dere's ash cakes in de fireplace, 
Jes' brown as you please; 
Doe lips taste bet'tah full o' sugar 
Den any one o' dese. 

I'se comin' ovah ter see you 

In dis cole and chilly win'. 

Doan hab ole Rastus dere to see yer, 

Fer I'se yer only frien'. 

You kin answer dis here letter, 
Dis ebenin' or ter night; 
When I'se dreamin' under de kiver, 
Wid my heart full of delight. 

Goodbye, Sugar Lindy, 
You'se de sweetest gal I kno'. 
Now rite me how yer lub me 
Frum yo' Honey Joe. 

WHAT THE CANARY DOES. 

To a Lady Friend. 

Lonely days seem merry, 
When the song of the canary 
Rings sweetly in the tree. 
Thoughts of you he brings, 
While up there he sings, 
Sweet memories dear to me. 



32 Early Verse 

Though so softly each note 
Sounds clear from his throat, 
Late events to me come : 
The affections of thine, 
That use to be mine, 
Lies silent and dumb. 

DECIDED. 

Not that I think of the past, 

Not that I think of the last; 

But 'tis this I can not forget: 

How life has changed in recent days; 

The unthoughtful destiny of your ways, 

It causes me to regret. 

I thought that you were a truthful friend. 

Whom I could all my affections lend; 

But it seems life is only a game. 

how can I stand your daily test? 

I'll change my affections like the rest. 

Lei' it be fate or fame. 

"TO A BIRD." 

Little bird, I pray thee, sing 
To me a song as sweet 

This winter day as spring, 
Ere my memory's retreat. 

Call back the merry hour 

Of last night to me, 
When thought had its power, 

Of things yet to be. 

I'm lonely and can't rest, 

Sitting here alone. 
Take me back, I confess 

I'd be happy with my own. 



Book of Poems 33 

ODE TO MOTHER. 

Many years with you I've spent 
In my nooky room in self-content. 
In my memory you shall live, 
If in life I reach the goal. 
The uttermost desire of my soul, 
All honors to you I'll give. 

Youthful days were sweet to me, 

Receiving life from the life of thee, 

Lying closely to thy breast, 

Causing lots of trouble ere sleep came down, 

Too young to know thy yearning for rest. 

Day and night thy tender hands 
Toiled with me from youth to man; 
As years were rolling fast, 
With infinite love pure from heart, 
Thou hast done a mother's part, 
Though the years be past. 

Roll on, sweet life, roll; 

Thy name is writ on honor's schroll; 

'Twill stand through eternity, 

Till God shall summon from the skies, 

Thy body from earth up to Him rise, 

In peace to Heaven in serenity. 



34 Early Verse 

INDEX 

About to Sin 12 

A Toast 13 

A Dream 15 

A Hope of Freedom 21 

A Wet Advice 23 

A Letter 31 

Banquet Toast at C. T. C 9 

Be Not Least 14 

Class Poem 21 

Dissapointed 10 

Decided 32 

Forward 7 

His Imagination 1 8 

Honey, I'll Remain with You 20 

Junior Banquet Toast at C. T. C 9 

Lonesome 3 

Lindsay Hollow 5 

Livingstone, Mont 20 

Melons On De Vine 8 

Music From His Hoe 23 

Our Trip to Marlin 11 

Ode to Mother 33 

Rain Drops 14 

Sonnet to C. T. C 3 

Spring 17 

School of Mine 24 

Sick Week 27 

Sonnet 29 

Spirit of the West _ 29 

The Little Stars 13 

The Pilgrim 15 

To Bird 32 

When Der Tatters Begin' to Fry 6 

When Bennett Rings the Bell 17 

What the Canary Does 31 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




